SEPTEMBER 2021
Greater Dandenong Council News
Calling all little explorers PAGE 3
Community Satisfaction Survey
Waste benefits for farmers
Spring nesting
► PAGE 6
► PAGE 10
► PAGE 11
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Council News
Customer Service Centres Dandenong Civic Centre 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong Springvale Community Hub 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale Keysborough Customer Service Shop A7 Parkmore Shopping Centre, Keysborough All correspondence to: Greater Dandenong Council News PO Box 200 Dandenong VIC 3175 Email: news@cgd.vic.gov.au Phone: 8571 1000 Fax: 8571 5196 www.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au @greaterdandy facebook.com/greaterdandenong cityofgreaterdandenong
Mayor ’s message Welcome to the September edition of Greater Dandenong Council News. While restrictions continue to change, Council is working hard to support all members of the community. With the September school holidays around the corner, enjoy one of our most popular annual, family-friendly events – the Children’s Festival. Held online last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been working hard to make this year’s event safe for everyone, with options to provide in person and online delivery. Now in its 10th year, it’s a highlight of our calendar for children and their families. You can find out more on page 3. Turn to pages 9 and 12 for even more school holiday action at our libraries and Drum Theatre. Spring is a wonderful time in our city and it’s also nesting time for birds. It’s a beautiful time to be out and about and in this issue we look at our bushland reserves becoming a buzzing hive of insect activity. Turn to page 11 to read more. This year in the annual Community Satisfaction Survey, Council scored highest in the area of customer service at 74. Turn to page 6 to see how Council has once again achieved a fantastic performance rating in comparison to the metropolitan average. I hope you find something wonderful to do in our city this month, and I look forward to seeing you all out and about.
youtube.com/citygreaterdandenong TTY: 133 677 Speak and listen: 1300 555 727 relayservice.gov.au TIS: 131 450 council@cgd.vic.gov.au
Mayor Cr Angela Long
My City
Important Numbers Emergency calls Police / Fire / Ambulance................................... 000 Street lighting faults / non-operational United Energy............................................13 20 99 Traffic signal faults / non-operational................................... 8571 1000 Hoon Hotline................................. 1800 333 000 Hard Waste Collection WM Waste Management Services.................................................... 9721 1915 Australian Animal Protection Society.............................. 9798 8415
Make Your Move is a call for the residents of Greater Dandenong to be more active. You can improve your fitness and enjoy many of our city’s beautiful natural reserves and trails this spring. The benefits of being outside can have a positive impact on mental and physical health. Make Your Move raises awareness about the importance of physical activity by providing more opportunities for people to get active. Our environment is a free and perfect place that encourages movement.
RSPCA....................................................... 9224 2222 Nurse on Call................................ 1300 606 024 Front Cover: Elijah James Pulo flying a kite. Picture: Hilton Stone.
www.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au
This publication is available in alternative formats upon request.
Council News
Calling all little explorers
exciting programs
Australia Day Awards Nominations open 13 September Do you know someone making a meaningful, positive impact in our community? Think of the incredible people who work hard behind the scenes to help make our schools, clubs, fundraisers, community activities safe and great. Why not recognise them by nominating them for an Australia Day Award.
Greater Dandenong Children’s Festival is back, offering a range of exciting programs, activities and workshops over the September school holidays. This year’s theme is Little World Explorers, giving children the opportunity to travel the world in their own community by joining in cultural experiences through arts, dance, sport, science, magic and circus activities.
Awards are presented at a ceremony on Australia Day in the following categories: ► Citizen ► Young
of the Year
► Sportsperson
Little Day Out
Events are subject to COVID-19 restrictions and may be moved online. Visit our website for updates.
Leader of the Year
► Volunteer
Highlights of the Festival include:
Little Day Out will take place at Ross Reserve on Sunday 19 September with many great free activities for the whole family. Join us for a fun day of live entertainment, arts and crafts, paper airplane and kite making workshops, Ninja Warrior obstacle course and sporting games. This event is suitable for families with children under 12 years of age.
of the Year
► Corporate
Citizen of the Year
► Community
Little World Explorers Story Competition This competition is open to primary school students living or studying in Greater Dandenong. Students are encouraged to write a short story between 200-400 words on any topic or theme for a chance to see your story come to life as animated short film.
Group of the Year
► Sustainability ► Living
of the Year
Award
Treasure Award
Nominations open Monday 13 September and close Sunday 24 October. To make your nomination, fill in the online form at greaterdandenong.vic.gov. au/australia-day-awards
For more details go to greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/ childrens-festival
www.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au
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Council News
Councillor Contacts THU RSDAY
MONDAY
MONDAY
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Cleeland Ward – Mayor Cr Angela Long Ph/Fax: 9795 6574 SE PTEM BE R 0466 004 616 angela.long@cgd.vic.gov.auEMBER
NOV
SEPTEMBER
SEPTEMBER
Dandenong North Ward Cr Bob Milkovic 0435 237 051 bob.milkovic@cgd.vic.gov.au
Council Meetings
Dandenong Ward Cr Jim Memeti 0434 560 239 jim.memeti@cgd.vic.gov.au
All Council meetings are held at the city chambers at the Dandenong Civic Centre, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong.
Keysborough South Ward Cr Rhonda Garad 0435 107 584 rhonda.garad@cgd.vic.gov.au
Keysborough Ward Cr Tim Dark 0466 403 914 tim.dark@cgd.vic.gov.au
Noble Park North Ward Cr Lana Formoso 0435 530 536 lana.formoso@cgd.vic.gov.au
Noble Park Ward – Deputy Mayor Cr Sophie Tan 0466 793 727 sophie.tan@cgd.vic.gov.au
Springvale Central Ward Cr Richard Lim 0435 627 164 richard.lim@cgd.vic.gov.au
Springvale North Ward Cr Sean O’Reilly 0422 523 258 sean.oreilly@cgd.vic.gov.au
Springvale South Ward Cr Loi Truong 0466 004 618 loi.truong@cgd.vic.gov.au
Yarraman Ward Cr Eden Foster 0435 202 645 eden.foster@cgd.vic.gov.au
www.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au
Council meetings are usually held on the second and the fourth Monday of the month at 7pm.
The September meetings will be held: Monday 13 September Monday 27 September
Subject to COVID-19 TH URSDAY restrictions the general public is welcome SEPTEM BER to attend meetings and can now ask their questions in NOVEMBER person during Public Question Time, but did you know you can watch Council meetings live via our webcast service?
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You can keep up with all the latest decisions, hear questions from residents and find out the many ways your local councillors are serving the community. To view meetings online or to find out more about Public Question Time simply go to greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/ council-meetings
Stay up to date with your immunisations During a pandemic, it is now more important than ever to help keep your child healthy. It is vital to have your child immunised on time at the ages recommended by the National Immunisation Program (NIP) Schedule. Greater Dandenong City Council’s immunisation team hold several sessions every month for residents. The sessions are free and provide important vaccinations to prevent diseases such as Whooping Cough, Hepatitis, Tetanus, Pneumococcal Pneumonia, Measles and Meningococcal disease. Influenza vaccination is also recommended and available for all children from 6 months of age up to 5 years of age. If your child is overdue or has missed any vaccinations, please speak with your general practitioner or the Council immunisation team. Delaying the vaccinations could not only effect the health of your child, but also family tax payments and entry to childcare and kinder.
In the last 12 months, Council’s immunisation team have immunised 2,528 children up to 19 years of age, in accordance with the NIP, including providing catch up vaccinations for children who were overdue. In the same period Council delivered secondary school immunisations to 5,148 students. To have your child immunised you will need to make a booking at greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/ immunisation. For assistance, please call Council on 8571 1000. COVID-19 Vaccinations If you would like information about COVID-19 vaccinations, including checking your eligibility and making a booking, please visit sephu.org/ covid-vaccination/
Council News
Cr Rhonda Garad I want to acknowledge the tremendous challenges the recent lockdowns created for many. To all the parents who battled with home schooling and work commitments, I want to say well done. To business owners who lost money, I want to acknowledge your hardship. To kids who missed their friends, I want to say great effort. It wasn’t easy for anyone and in the future, if you find yourself not coping, please ask for help. On other matters, it is very pleasing that we will have two new public toilets at Westwood and Pencil parks. They will be finished by the time the warmer weather is here. The toilets will be placed in the line of sight of parents from the playgrounds, who need to stay with younger children. This will mean people will not have to cut their visits to the park short to go to the bathroom.
► Keysborough South Ward
It has also been tremendous to see the growing enthusiasm in the community to save the Keysborough Chapel, on Chapel Road. The chapel has seen better days and there is a need for a fair bit of restoration work. We are hopeful that the current owners will hand it over to the care of the community to be used to benefit everyone. It won’t be a surprise to many of you the traffic challenges on Chapel Road. Council is gathering data on traffic patterns and working on solutions and conducting two independent assessments of the new housing development at HomeCo to ensure as much as possible the safety of users of the centre.
Cr Loi Truong
► Springvale South Ward Services have needed to offer flexible delivery to adhere to changing restrictions, and I would like to thank our community members for the support they continue to show to local businesses. Moving on to capital works, the significant project at Burden Park in Springvale South is well and truly underway. Redevelopment of the tennis facilities includes renovation of the six existing tennis courts which will involve resurfacing to synthetic grass, replacement of the court lighting and fencing, and extension of the courts to meet the current Tennis Australia standards. With funding from State Government, Council and Burden Park Tennis Club, I will be excited to see this $1.17m project come to fruition mid next year.
While the situation around the COVID-19 pandemic keeps changing, Council is working hard to balance all the health and safety needs of our community.
If you would like to discuss any local issues, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me at rhonda.garad@ cgd.vic.gov.au or phone me on 0435 107 584.
Speaking of Burden Park and with the start of Spring, I encourage you to get outside and make the most of this lovely season and enjoy the many local parks and playgrounds we have in our city. I would also like to encourage you to explore the new Springvale Library and the services it offers. Your free
membership provides access to a wide range of resources – books and DVDs (including many items in community languages), free computer access, free Wi-Fi, study areas, and community meeting spaces. Free tutoring is available 24/7 during school terms and many programs and events are available for different age and cultural groups including story telling and activities for children. Our libraries are safe and welcoming community hubs, open to everyone to use as a place to learn, be connected, supported and belong. Lastly, please remember to check Council’s website for updated information on the many COVID-19 vaccination sites and testing locations available near Springvale. It is a privilege to represent the active and diverse community of Springvale South. If you want to contact me you can reach me at loi.truong@cgd.vic.gov.au or phone me on 0466 004 618.
www.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au
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THE CITY Council News
Working for You
Record performance rating for Council Greater Dandenong City Council has once again achieved a record performance rating as part of its annual customer satisfaction survey of residents. Now in its 22nd year, the Local Government Community Satisfaction Survey assesses Council’s performance across a range of measures and in comparison to other local government bodies. Council achieved an overall performance score of 68 which was one point higher than the metropolitan average and seven points higher than the state-wide average.
The survey results also found that: ► Greater
Dandenong residents identified diversity as the best thing about our community, closely followed by parks and gardens, library services and facilities, community support services and recreational and sporting facilities
► Top
performing areas for Council included waste management (75) and sealed local roads (69)
► Residents
scored community consultation a 60, compared to a metropolitan average of 59 and a state-wide average of 56
► Overall
Council direction scored 62, compared to the state-wide average of 53 points. Visit greaterdandenong.vic. gov.au for the full report.
► 79
per cent of residents surveyed are concerned about climate change and 67 per cent believe that it is extremely or very important for Council to respond to its impacts
Council’s highest score of the key comparable areas was customer service (74) compared to the state-wide average of 70. Performance Measure
Council
Metro average
State-wide average
Overall performance
68
67
61
Community consultation (community consultation and engagement)
60
59
56
Value for money
66
62
54
Making community decisions (decisions made in the interests of the community)
63
61
56
Sealed local roads (conditions of sealed roads)
69
68
57
Customer service
74
74
70
Overall Council direction
62
55
53
Council’s highest score of the key comparable areas was customer service (74) compared to the statewide average of 70 www.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au
Community Calendar
Council News
Enchantment of a magical fairy tale
Mayor Angela Long with Masquerade Youth Productions crew
Mayor Angela Long caught some fairy tale magic at the Drum Theatre in July with Masquerade Youth Productions’ Cinderella (directed by Emily Keagan, Chorographed by Catherine McGregor and Musical Director Isabella Dymalovski). This dynamic local theatre group provides fantastic performances to children and young people, and made Cinderella come alive in this glittering and enchanting show.
Change Today – Shape Tomorrow Work to develop the City of Greater Dandenong’s Council Plan 2021–25 and Long-Term Financial Plan 2022–2031 continues to progress, with a draft released for community feedback this month.
Council’s digital front door Last year, Council completely rebuilt its corporate website, including brand new websites for the Drum Theatre and Youth Services. Together these websites act as Council’s digital front door. For residents this means improved access to information, services and consultations. Some highlights of the corporate website include: ► A
help bot, which is an instant online customer service via a computer chat box
► Dedicated
pages for Council projects, community consultations, recreation areas, venues and facilities
► The
ability to use google translate across website pages so users can read the website text in their own language.
Websites are accessible on all devices, so residents can access Council information wherever they are, at any time. Visit greaterdandenong. vic.gov.au/council-websites to know more about the functionality of our websites.
Following extensive consultation through a community survey, ideas wall, pop-up events, children’s worksheets and the People’s Panel, the plan aims to encompass the aspirations of our community and the needs of everyone living, working and playing in the City of Greater Dandenong. The Council Plan will set the direction for Council’s activities for the next four years and is key to achieving our long-term vision. Following the current phase of community feedback, both plans will be finalised and approved by Council prior to 31 October. Visit greaterdandenong. vic.gov.au/plan2025 for the latest updates and to view a copy of the draft plan once released.
www.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au
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Council News
Melbourne Writer’s Festival
FREE
…a wide range of free literary activities and events for all ages
Launch of Greater Dandenong’s Seed Library Saturday 18 September, 11am–1pm The Greater Dandenong Seed Library will provide an opportunity for community members to become more active in cultivating their own fruit, vegetables and herbs no matter how big or small their garden space is.
Greater Dandenong Libraries are a proud partner of the annual Melbourne Writers’ Festival, delivering a wide range of free literary activities and events for all ages. Last year the festival was delivered virtually and showcased work from an exciting range of artists across a variety of formats, mixing local favourites and new faces.
Melbourne Writers’ Festival will return this September with a fantastic program of events including Clem Bastow, with more to be announced. Check the library website for details and to register. Events include:
Clem Bastow: Late Bloomer 11am on Saturday 11 September Award-winning cultural critic Clem Bastow discusses her wise and witty memoir Late Bloomer, which deconstructs the misconceptions and celebrates the realities of autistic experience.
www.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au
Online book club Would you like to be in a book club? Join us in our new online book club, The DandEreaders. Each month we will read or listen to a book from our OverDrive collection and meet online to discuss it. The meeting will be monthly on the fourth Thursday at 2pm via Microsoft Teams which is free to access and download. To find out this month’s book for discussion and to register for the online meeting visit greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/ libraries-whatson or telephone the Library on 1300 630 920
The Seed Library will be located in the Springvale Community Hub and will be open to all members of the community. Seed Library members can take free seeds and grow edible gardens at home, then collect and share their seeds, contributing to food security and wellbeing in the Greater Dandenong area. In the coming months, the library will be delivering programs around growing edible gardens as well as seed saving, composting and cooking to support users of the seed library.
The Seed Library will be launched at the Springvale Community Hub on Saturday 18 September from 11am–1pm, with giveaways and activities for new members who sign up on the day. To register, call 1300 630 920 during opening hours or visit our website.
Events are subject to COVID-19 restrictions. Visit our website for updates.
Community Calendar
Council News
Activities for young people in September
Celebrating a win at the Street Style Soccer Tournament
There is plenty on for young people in Greater Dandenong this month, with a range of activities across the city.
A young person takes part in tree planting during the IMPACT youth volunteering program, April 2021.
IMPACT volunteer program Wednesday 22 September and Thursday 30 September Young people living with disability are invited to join Youth and Family Services to participate in an environment and sustainability themed volunteer experience. Gain hands on volunteering experience in your community, meet new people and explore future volunteer opportunities that match your interests.
Indoor basketball and volleyball tournament Thursday 23 September, Dandenong Stadium Join Youth and Family Services as we celebrate Victorian Youth Week with our 3v3 Basketball and 4v4 Volleyball Tournament. There will be 4 divisions – U14 male, U16 male, U25 female and U25 male – with trophies and medals awarded to the finalists in each division. You can register as an individual or a team but be quick as there are limited spots available.
…plenty of fun to appeal to all interests
School holiday activities Previous volleyball winners in the under 25 female division at the Winter Sports Tournament, June 2019.
Employment bootcamp Tuesday 28 September, Dandenong Civic Centre Young people looking for their first part-time or casual job, can take part in this one-day intensive workshop to boost their employability. Participants will receive tips on finding job opportunities, resume support and take part in interview practice, as well as being supported to apply for jobs on the day. Places are limited and registrations are essential.
Street style soccer tournament Friday 1 October, JC Mills Reserve, Dandenong Youth and Family Services’ 5-a-side Street Style Soccer tournament returns. There will be 4 divisions – U14 male, U16 male, U25 female and U25 male – with trophies and medals awarded to the finalists in each division. You can register as an individual or a team. Limited spots are available so don’t delay, register today.
Monday 20 September – Friday 1 October Bust school holiday boredom with free or low-cost activities, with plenty of fun to appeal to all interests. Check out the full calendar of events on our website. Bookings are essential.
Greater Dandenong art competition Entries close Sunday 3 October Do you enjoy drawing, painting or creating digital art? Are you a creative young person or do you know someone who is? Submissions are still open for the ‘Greater Dandenong. My Place. My Community’ art competition. For the chance to win great prizes or feature in an exhibition, show us what you love about our great community using paint, pencil, charcoal or digital art. For more information on any of these activities, head to youth.greaterdandenong.vic. gov.au or call Youth and Family Services on 9793 2155.
www.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au
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10 Council News
Waste benefits for farmers Yes ► Leaves ► Grass
clippings
► Weeds ► Flowers ► Small
branches (10cm diameter and 30cm long)
► Garden
prunings
► Food
scraps (fruit and vegetable scraps, pasta, rice, bread, meat, coffee grounds and tea leaves)
No ► Plastic
bags (including compostable bags)
► Plant Images provided by Metropolitan Waste and Resource Recovery Group
pots
► Glass ► Bricks
Ever wondered what happens to your food and garden waste from your green lid bin after it’s picked up? By using your garden waste bin correctly, you are helping farmers produce the best quality food. The materials from your food and garden waste bin is taken to a local processing plant where it is turned into nutrient-rich compost that is used by farmers to grow food crops and pastures. Just like us, soil needs food and the better fed the soil is, the healthier the crops they grow. It is important to only place grass, small branches, flowers, leaves, weeds and food scraps in your green lid bin. Other items, such as plastics, glass, bricks and building rubble can contaminate an entire truckload of green waste, making the whole load unusable.
www.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au
This diminishes the quality of compost and mulch going to our farmers. Compost has many benefits for the environment such as improving soil structure, increasing the ability of soil to retain moisture, turning food scraps into natural fertiliser to enrich the soil and reducing weed emergence and erosion. Landfills in Melbourne are rapidly filling up and the cost of waste disposal is increasing. Composting helps reduce the amount of waste going to landfill and reduces carbon emissions. Visit greaterdandenong.vic. gov.au/waste to find out what happens to your food and garden waste and what can go into your food and garden bin.
► Building
materials
► Stickers,
labels, rubber bands from fruit and vegetables
Your food and garden waste helps to make healthy soil for farmers to grow healthy crops and pastures.
Community Calendar
Council News
Spring into Alex Wilkie Nature Reserve
Spring is a wonderful time in our reserves Wattles, wildflowers and orchids bloom throughout spring and our bushland reserves become a buzzing hive of insect activity. Over winter our blue tongue lizards go into semi-hibernation, finding a log or rock crevice to hide, but as the weather warms you might be lucky enough to spot one sunning itself. Spring is also nesting time for birds. Some will be raising their young in carefully constructed nests while others, including parrots, owls, wood ducks and kookaburras will be occupying tree hollows to nest. Observing the parent birds feeding their demanding, and often very noisy young is a great way to enjoy our local parklands. After hatching, baby birds grow very quickly and before long, they are ready to fledge the nest. If you see young birds on the ground, please leave them unless they are obviously injured. They are most likely learning to fly, and their parents will be close by. Sometimes our interference can end up separating a young bird from its parents unnecessarily.
Birds such as magpies and masked lapwings are very protective of their young during breeding season and may swoop if you get too close. If you encounter a swooping bird, protect your face and eyes with your hands and calmly walk away. Try to avoid this area or walk in a group. Please do not harm the bird or damage its nest, they are following their instinct. You can report the incident to Council on 8571 1702. For more information on the care and protection of animals, visit RSPCA Victoria’s website at rspcavic.org
Join us to celebrate the spring opening of Alex Wilkie Nature Reserve. Enjoy tree planting, a free barbeque and other activities including an animal show and the Live Steamers mini trains. Participants will require the following: ► Wear
closed toe shoes and comfortable clothing ► Gardening gloves ► Water bottle ► Gold coin donation for Live Steamer Trains ► Contact details including name, email address and contact number to check-in on the day ► Smartphone/smart device to scan QR code ► Face mask. The park has a barbeque, toilet, disabled toilet, picnic facilities, shelter and walking tracks. This is a free event and bookings are essential. The event will be cancelled in adverse weather and may be postponed if COVID restrictions change. All COVIDSafe guidelines will be fully met to ensure public safety for this event. All attendees must be checked in via QR Code. Event Date and Time Saturday 4 September 2021, 11:00am–2:00pm Alex Wilkie Nature Reserve, Springvale South To register contact Council on 8571 1702.
www.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au
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12 Council News SOMETHING FOR ALL AGES
Drum roll for arts in Greater Dandenong Greater Dandenong provides a vibrant hub for arts and culture, offering something for all ages and interests. Residents and visitors can enjoy a range of community led initiatives and professional presentations across a range of artforms and venues. COVID-19 has presented many challenges for the arts industry, with restrictions forcing many programs to reschedule or move online. Now, more than ever, is the best time to support your local arts industry and enjoy one of the many outstanding experiences on offer.
Past, Present and Future – Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre This exhibition is now on until 17 December, looking at the past, present and future of exhibitions in the City of Greater Dandenong. Visitors are encouraged to contribute by sharing their gallery experiences, thoughts and reflections on the walls of the gallery. Artist Kenny Pittock will use these responses as inspiration to create a new work as part of the opening exhibition at Dandenong’s new contemporary art gallery in 2022.
The workshops aim to introduce Polyglot’s distinctive philosophy, process and work, and assist teachers to expand their existing practice and approach. This workshop is exclusively for teachers and practitioners working with children, who live or work in the City of Greater Dandenong. For more information and bookings, please contact the Arts and Cultural Development Team via arts@cgd.vic.gov.au or phone 9706 8441.
I Have a Face
Hidden Creature Gallery, Arena Theatre Company
Friday 10 September, 8pm
Hidden Creature Hunt
Following a postponement due to Melbourne’s lockdown, Jude Perl will arrive at the Drum this month with her much-anticipated live show. Local artist Margot Tanjutco will provide a fabulous set of musical comedy before Jude’s show. I Have A Face won Best Cabaret at the Melbourne Fringe 2018, and Jude has won four Green Room Awards.
…much anticipated live show
Past, Present and Future will also include an installation looking back on some of the many wonderful exhibitions shown at Walker Street Gallery.
Part laboratory, part performance and all imagination, Hidden Creature Gallery is an exciting interactive activity for school aged children and their families. Arena Theatre Company has been in residence running workshops with local kids to create this immersive creature hunt that blends nature and technology, using your mobile phone. Join the creature hunt in and around the Drum Theatre between 20 September and 1 October. Suitable for all ages. Note: Arena Theatre Company in residence is supported by Creative Victoria.
Instilling a love of art in schools
…support your local arts industry and enjoy one of the many outstanding experiences on offer
Council’s Arts and Culture Education Program aims to foster a love of creativity and the arts in school aged children through workshops, incursions and excursions, knowledge sharing, tours and professional development for teachers. This month, teachers and practitioners are invited to join Polyglot Theatre to learn about child-led practice through creativity. Singer/songwriter Jude Perl
www.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au
Let the hunt begin
Dates are subject to change depending on COVID-19 restrictions, so please keep up to date with the latest information.
Community Calendar
Council News
…this show is perfect for little kids and grownups who like a big brass belly laugh
Love in the Time of Corona
Love in the Time of Corona Roy Theaker
Always Love the Music Thursday 16 September, 10.30am The amazing Roy Theaker and his band present a dynamic and energetic show with a range of musical genres that will delight an audience of various musical tastes. A former Concertmaster of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, he has shared the big stage with the likes of Hugh Jackman and travelled the world. This performance is part of the Drum’s Encore Program and includes complementary morning tea and a parking voucher.
Saturday 25 September, 3pm and 7pm It seems life imitates art as this show was rescheduled due to COVID-19 restrictions. Love in the Time of Corona is back and covers all things panic buying, remote learning and love during the pandemic. It is an innovative youth performance about the world of young people. Love in the Time of Corona is locally written and the cast are all from the local area. Produced in partnership with the Drum Theatre, Love in the Time of Corona is heart-warming, satirical and hilarious. This is not to be missed by anyone who lived through 2020. The Drum Theatre is in the old Dandenong Town Hall. For more information and bookings go to drum.greater dandenong.vic.gov.au or phone 8571 1666. The Drum offers a range of programs for children and has a lot to offer these school holidays.
Brass Monkeys Rebel
Thursday 23 September, 2pm
Rebel
The creators of Children are Stinky bring you an all new, action-packed circus spectacular.
Saturday 18 September, 7.30pm Rebel is a live circus rock tribute to the original rebel, David Bowie. Rebel is much more than a tribute show, it is a theatrical extravaganza. The show is headlined by the incredible multi-award-winning Stewart Reeve, and features a rockstar band of artists from across artistic genres.
Leg stand blast by Brass Monkeys
Magic Beach Wednesday 29 September, 12pm and 2.30pm Alison Lester’s classic book comes to life on stage in a wonderful world of song, light, shadow, text and movement for children aged 3-8 years old and their adults. Every year, an everyday family go on a beach holiday. This isn’t just any beach – it’s Magic Beach, where everything you can imagine becomes real. The new Australian adaptation from awardwinning playwright Finegan Kruckemeyer is a celebration of the power of the imagination and the differences that make every child special.
Brass Monkeys celebrates kids who march to the beat of their own drum. Bursting with high calibre acrobatics, comedy, live music and high-flying tricks, this show is perfect for little kids and grown-ups who like a big brass belly laugh.
Age recommendation: 12 years+
www.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au
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14 Council News
Business
efm Warehousing increases Dandenong footprint
Artist impression of new efm site
efm Warehousing has expanded its capacity at a new site in Dandenong South. The 15,600 sqm distribution facility at the Rubix Connect Estate will enable the business to experience double digit growth next financial year. Andrew Swain, General Manager – Commercial, said efm Warehousing had experienced significant growth since it launched in 2005. “We’re a smaller player in the market so we aim to offer more flexible solutions than some of the larger companies in our space, but we also have the backing and governance from a larger corporate structure to present customers a lower risk option,” Mr Swain said.
Easier business permits and registrations Planning a new business or expanding? Wondering what type of permits your business may need and hoping the process is easy? Greater Dandenong City Council understands it can be difficult to know where to start. That’s why council, in partnership with Small Business Victoria, has implemented the Better Approvals Project. The project aims to lend a hand and take the angst out of the permit approval process. Better Approvals is now in place at over 50 councils across Victoria, which is good news if you have more than one business in different municipalities. As part the project, Council officers spoke with local businesses to understand their experience with obtaining permits and approvals from council. The major issue we heard was that business operators had to work separately with multiple departments of council such as planning, building, environmental health and local laws.
This often meant businesses passed one step only to find out they then needed to start another permit process in a different department. Council listened and made changes to improve things. The Better Approvals Project now means there is only one point of contact at the very first step in the process. The Better Approvals Team at Greater Dandenong is here to help with new business application processes from the beginning, right to the very end. The team is here to guide businesses on what permits are needed and then help them apply for more than one permit at the same time – saving everyone time, money and frustration. New and expanding businesses are encouraged to come and see how we can help. To learn more about the services or to speak to the team, contact us via email business@cgd.vic.gov.au or 8571 1550.
Start, run and grow your business
The company opened its first facility in Dandenong South in 2007 and now proudly services customers such as Swisse Wellness and Multigate Medical Products across its various warehouses, which are also located in Brisbane and Altona with ambient and temperaturecontrolled capabilities. The new building has achieved a 6 Star, Green Star Rating and will have capacity to store 18,300 pallets. Other features include a 2,500 sqm undercover super awning for all weather loading, EFSR sprinkler system, office space and 107 car spaces. For more information visit efmlogistics.com.au/ warehousing
www.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au
Council has launched a new program to support new business ventures. Ignite Greater Dandenong is a program that offers a range of activities and resources for people looking to get a business idea off the ground, or who have recently started their business. Running over three months, the program includes a mixture of workshops, masterclasses, group mentoring sessions and individual mentoring opportunities.
The program kicked off in late June with a successful in person event. Some of the workshops have moved online due to restrictions with a few such as the Think Tank and Hackathon held in person at a later date. To register for the next Ignite Program visit greater dandenong.vic.gov.au/igniteprogram
Community Calendar Community
Get involved
A South East Melbourne Community Garden Directory Are you interested in growing your own food? Food From Home can help.
To ensure we all stay safe while out and about, using Council facilities and attending events and programs, every member of our community has a crucial role to play in helping to stop the spread of COVID-19. Please continue to follow these vital steps:
Led by not-for-profit organisation, enliven, Food from Home has already engaged over 80,000 people via social media and distributed over 3,000 packets of free vegetable seeds through nine library services across Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia.
Following a survey of over 300 community members, enliven was able to identify the four main challenges to growing food which are knowledge, time, cost and space. As a result, the campaign has created a series of beginner-friendly resources, informative blog posts, videos showcasing local people and their gardens, seasonal recipes, and more recently have launched a ‘South East Melbourne Community Garden Directory’.
► Always
check in using a QR code everywhere you go
► Always
carry a mask with you and wear it when required as per the Government directives and when you can’t maintain 1.5 m distance
…experience the benefits of growing your own food The directory was created in response to a community-identified need for better access to current information about how they can get involved, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The first of its kind, this easy-to-read resource details information, interactive maps and downloadable listings of more than 15 community gardens within the City of Greater Dandenong, City of Casey and Cardinia Shire. Over the coming months, enliven will be expanding the reach and accessibility of the campaign even further through a number of projects, including the development of edible gardening resources in different languages, community workshops on growing native foods, supporting the establishment of local seed libraries, and the distribution of 700 ‘planter kits’ to enable young people and families facing food insecurity and hardship to grow their own food. For more information about the campaign, connect with enliven online via foodfromhome.org
Community Garden at Noble Park Community Centre
COVID19 – stay safe, stay informed As restrictions continue to ease, Council is steadily introducing in person services and events.
Launched in late 2020, the campaign is here to assist communities in Melbourne’s south east to experience the benefits of growing your own food.
Co-designed with local community members, the campaign aims to highlight the environmental and health benefits of growing food and edible gardening, while also addressing the barriers to growing.
Council News
► Practise
COVID-safe hygiene protocols, such as thoroughly washing your hands and using hand sanitiser
► If
you’re feeling unwell and have COVID-19 symptoms (no matter how mild), get tested immediately and stay home until you get your results
► Check
exposure sites at coronavirus. vic.gov.au/exposure-sites
► Get
vaccinated when you are eligible.
COVID-19 restrictions can change at any time and we encourage the community to keep informed via our website and social media. Visit greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au for the latest information regarding Council facilities, programs and services. Support services available COVID Safety Officers have been employed at Council to support businesses and community groups with a range of requirements, including assistance with COVID Safe Plans, QR codes, community engagement, information about testing and vaccination and translated resources. If you need support, please email covid19@cgd.vic. gov.au or call our customer service centre on 8571 1000 and a member of our team will assist you.
www.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au
15
Two weeks of events, workshops and activities We are committed to being COVIDSafe. Greater Dandenong Children’s Festival will proceed in an online or alternate format pending restrictions.
8571 1000 greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/childrens-festival